At length the night passed away, and the sun rose and struck down on
their unprotected heads. They had no food and no water. Anxiously they
gazed around. Not a sail was in fight. Death--a miserable death--was
the fate they had in prospect. Their condition has been that of many a
poor seaman, and oh, if we did but think what consolation, what support,
would a saving knowledge of religion present to men thus situated, we
should rejoice at finding any opportunity of affording it to them. The
day wore on, Jack felt as if he could not endure another. He could hold
very little conversation with his companion. The night came. He had to
secure himself to the raft to save himself from falling off, so drowsy
had he become.
The sun was once more shining down on his head, when an exclamation from
Sambo roused him up. Not a quarter of a mile from them was a large ship
passing by them. But, oh, what agony of suspense was theirs, lest no
one on board should see them! They shouted--they waved their hands.
Jack had a handkerchief round his neck,--he flew it eagerly above his
head,--he almost fainted with joy. The ship's lighter sails were clewed
up. She was brought to the wind, a boat was lowered and pulled towards
them. They were saved. The ship was an outward bound Indiaman. Humane
people tended the poor sufferers. A little liquid was poured down their
throats: a little food was given them: they were put into clean
hammocks. For many a day Jack had not enjoyed so much luxury. He had
hitherto been accustomed only to kicks and blows. He thought Sambo the
only good man alive. Kindness won his heart, and he learned to love
others of his race.
The voyage was prosperous. India was reached in safety. With a fresh
cargo the ship then sailed for China. What wonders Jack saw in that
strange land I cannot stop to describe. Laden with tea the good ship,
the _Belvoir Castle_, returned to England, and Jack's first and eventful
voyage was ended.